Tamron 90mm f/2.8 overview

Optimized for close-up shooting, the SP 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 USD Lens from Tamron is a short telephoto prime designed for full-frame Sony A-mount DSLRs. Offering a life-size maximum magnification ratio of 1:1, this lens benefits working with small and nearby subjects and employs a Floating System for maintained image quality throughout the 11.8" to infinity focusing range. One Low Dispersion and two Extra Low Dispersion glass elements are incorporated into the optical design to minimize chromatic aberrations and color fringing for clean, consistent sharpness and clarity throughout the magnification range. BBAR and eBAND coatings have also been applied to minimize flare and ghosting for increased contrast when working in strong lighting conditions, and a rounded nine-blade diaphragm contributes to a pleasing bokeh quality to benefit shallow depth of field imagery. As an update to the classic 90mm macro, this enhanced version is well-suited to the high-resolution crop of DSLRs and blends timeless appeal and functionality with current imaging performance.

Supporting the imaging attributes is a precise, macro-optimized ring-type USD autofocus motor that provides fast and well-controlled focusing performance. A dedicated USD actuator is used to refine focusing precision at close distances and also compensates for small amounts of camera shake common to working at higher magnifications. Additionally, the focus motor affords full-time manual focus control for a greater range of adjustment capabilities. A moisture-resistant physical construction enables its use in trying environments and the front element has also received a fluorine coating to guard against smudges and moisture from affecting image quality. Additionally, this lens is compatible with the optional TAP-in Console for fine-tuning focusing performance and updating the lens' firmware.

A short-telephoto focal length optimized for macro shooting, this 90mm lens is designed for full-frame Sony A-mount DSLRs, and is also compatible with APS-C models where it will provide a 135mm equivalent focal length.

Bright f/2.8 maximum aperture offers a clean viewfinder image and is also beneficial for working in low-light conditions and for isolating focus.

One LD (Low Dispersion) and two XLD (Extra Low Dispersion) glass elements are incorporated in the 14 elements, 11 groups optical design, and contribute to a marked reduction in chromatic aberrations and color fringing throughout the aperture and focusing ranges.

Designed as a true macro lens, this optic affords a life-size 1:1 maximum magnification ratio along with an 11.8" minimum focusing distance to suit working with close-up subjects, and a Floating System is employed for consistent image quality and sharpness throughout the focusing range.

Ring-type USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive) motor and an optimized USD actuator are employed for fast, precise, and quiet autofocus performance that benefits both stills and video recording. This motor also enables full-time manual focus control without having to shift into a dedicated MF mode.

An internal focusing mechanism is also used to maintain the overall lens length during use, along with a comfortable working distance of approximately 5.5".

A Focus Limiter Switch is used to constrain the lens' focusing range for faster performance. A choice of 1.6'-infinity, 11.8"-1.6', and 11.8"-infinity ranges are available.

Moisture-resistant construction incorporates seals around the lens mount and other areas to benefit working in inclement conditions. Additionally, a fluorine coating has been applied to the front lens element to repel water, fingerprints, and smudges for easier cleaning of the lens surface.

Rounded nine-blade diaphragm produces a pleasing out-of-focus quality when working with shallow depth of field techniques.

Compatible with the optional TAP-in Console for updating the lens' firmware as well as adjusting focus settings via the TAP-in Utility software.

SILKYPIX Developer Studio for Tamron software is included with the lens, which, aside from enabling basic raw processing and image adjustments, works to specifically correct for various aberrations, including color fringing, distortion, and peripheral light fall-off, using dedicated optical data from Tamron's SP-series of lenses.

Tamron 90mm f/2.8 reviews

SP 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 USD Lens for Sony A is rated
5.0 out of
5 by
3.

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Anonymous from
Awesome LensI have been very impressed with this lens so far, especially at the price (cheaper than a new version of the previous version and cheaper than the equivalent Sony or Sigma lenses). This has been my first foray into macro lenses and I am glad I did. The lens great for shooting both indoors and out and the 90mm distance and 11in min focal distance allows you to get in really close to the subject but still makes the lense useful for portrait shooting. Very sharp even at f/2.8, no detectable chromatic aberration, very solid build, quick autofocus in the normal range. I have found that when shooting at the min focal distance, or close to it, the autofocus can hunt a bit; however, for this kind of shooting manual is probably better any way. The weather sealing is a huge plus to me, I am hoping it will help with fogging in humid environments when leaving a cold building (a common problem I have faced when trying to take pictures in Florida in the mornings). The focus limiter has three settings allowing you to set full, macro, or normal ranges which is nice for minimizing hunting.

Date published: 2016-09-05

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Drew from
Miraculous macroThis lens has a very nice fit and finish. A quality exudes from this lens, down the the caps. For the size, it's not overly heavy feeling on a DSLR bosy. I have the Sony Alpha 77, with a battery grip on it. This is great balancing. The lens is a bit long in its length for a prime lens. There is a lot of corrective glass in this lens though. That said, I see great shallow depth of field at f/2.8 and a very crisp band of sharpness in the focal plane area. I can get about 7 inches away from any subject I have tried so far, mostly flowers and inanimate objects. Great quality. Out of my 24MP camera, I got excellent shots of things in a sub-miniature world which are normally not seen. For instance, I could get dramatic shots of the individual loops of fabric that my bath towel is made from. For the price versus other Sony, or 3rd party lenses, this new f/ 2,8 Macro from Tamron SP series will be very hard to beat.

Date published: 2016-11-09

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Drew from
Very nice lens for the priceI still love this lens. It's not tiny, nor is it light. Those are typically E mount qualities. But, that said, there is a fair amount of corrective glass in this lens. The sharpness is great. Being a macro lens, corner to corner sharpness is subjective because usually, I only see a slice of DOF when using it for macro purposes. I wanted to share some more photos I have taken using this lens on my Sony a99Mii body.